Karlovo Náměstí

Karlovo Náměstí, which translates to Charles Square, is located in New Town, and is the largest public square in Prague, and one of the largest in all of Europe. With a wooded area, a park, a busy street, a church, a town hall building, as well as above-ground tram and below-ground metro lines, it can be hard to fathom that all of this life is contained within one public square. Once the site of the biggest major cattle market for the area, as well as a fish market and parade grounds for Emporer Charles IV to have the Crown Jewels and his collection of Holy Relics shown at Easter time, Karlovo Náměstí today is a bustling square full of the comings and goings of city life. That being said, it is such a large space that its easy to find a peaceful spot in the park for a picnic or to admire the statues – namely Czech writers Eliška Krásnohorská and Karolína Světlá, as well as scientist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, among others- and the fountains, flowerbeds, and interestingly-shaped old chestnut trees of Karlovo Náměstí. It is a perfect place to come with a book, a camera, or a good friend, and is surrounded by many restaurants, cafes, and shops as well as being located in the heart of New Town, and within minutes of the most central areas of the city-center of Prague. Located near the river, you can easily find the Dancing House and other important architectural sites nearby. Located on Karlovo Náměstí itself, you will find important architectural treasures such as the Baroque Church of St. Ignatius, Faust's House, and the New Town Hall building with its tower built shortly after New Town (now part of Prague 2) was established in 1348, and which was the site of the “first Prague defenestration” which heralded the start of the 15th century Hussite wars. Karlovo Náměstí makes an excellent side-trip while sightseeing in Prague, and is a must-see in New Town.

Karlovo Náměstí, Prague 2